Mr Ilyas said he is committed to spreading a message of diversity and equality.

Coun James Baker (Lib Dem, Warley) said “Whilst the likes of UKIP play on fear of people who are different, we offer a different vision. A vision of hope in which people of different backgrounds work together to build a peaceful, tolerant and understanding society.

“It is in celebration and respect of our differences that we will build that society, and I am proud to be working towards that goal with Mohammad and the Halifax Liberal Democrat team.”

Mohammad is of Pakistani origin and moved to this country in 1973. He currently lives in Halifax and is married with 4 children. He is self-employed and runs a Driving School.